All change at the top of the women's game as FA bow out and clubs get to run the game themselves

By Paul Lagan

Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has taken over responsibility for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship from The Football Association (FA).

Each club participating in these leagues will act as a shareholder in the new company.

Led by chief executive officer Nikki Doucet, the company it said is founded on a new vision and mission to transform women’s football by building the most distinctive, competitive, and entertaining women’s football club competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow.

Ms Doucet said: “The next successful era of the women’s professional game will be built on the foundations of collaboration, and we are excited to work together with all stakeholders to drive transformational and sustainable growth across our leagues by leveraging the distinctive qualities, values and principles which exist in the women’s game.

“Women's football in England has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by increased fan engagement, rising attendance at matches, and a surge in participation at all levels. We are fiercely committed to building on this momentum by creating a thriving landscape which prioritises the welfare and development of players, fosters & excites a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport's growth.

“As we embark on this exciting journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The FA for its outstanding work in developing the sport. We look forward to building upon this solid foundation and elevating women's professional football in England to unprecedented levels."

Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: "Now is the opportunity for Nikki to lead the next phase of growth, with an independent company purely focused on women’s professional football."

Women’s Professional Leagues Limited will be supported by the Premier League through a co-operation and funding agreement. This includes a £20million interest-free loan which will provide capital to build foundations and invest in areas such as recruitment and the development of long-term projects.

The Premier League will also offer extensive support and knowledge-sharing in a wide range of areas, including broadcasting, commercial and football operations. This is in addition to the £21million the Premier League has invested into developing the women’s and girls’ game between 2022 and 2025.